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The Premier League has announced plans to honor the Queen this weekend

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2 years ago

September 14, 2022

The Premier League has announced plans to honor the Queen this weekend

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The Premier League has confirmed how it plans to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II this weekend, with the fixtures an opportunity to ‘honour her extraordinary life and contribution to the nation and world’.

All English and Scottish football was postponed last weekend following the Queen’s death at the age of 96.

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While the UK remains in a state of national mourning, government guidance issued to sporting bodies states that there is ‘no obligation’ to cancel or postpone events during the 10-day period before the Queen’s funeral.

As a result, seven of the ten Premier League fixtures due to take place this weekend will go ahead, while two – Chelsea v Liverpool and Manchester United v Leeds United – were postponed due to the strain on police resources.

Brighton v Crystal Palace was pushed back last month due to rail strikes and remains postponed despite the fact the strike has been cancelled following the Queen’s death.

The Premier League say this weekend’s matches ‘provide an opportunity for the league, clubs and fans to come together to pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’.

Fans attending games will be asked to join a minute’s silence before kick-off, which will be followed by the national anthem, God Save The King.

This weekend’s Premier League fixtures

Friday 16 September

20:00 Aston Villa v Southampton (Sky Sports)
20:00 Nott’ham Forest v Fulham

Saturday 17 September

12:30 Wolves v Man City (BT Sport)
15:00 Newcastle v AFC Bournemouth
17:30 Spurs v Leicester City (Sky Sports)

Sunday 18 September

12:00 Brentford v Arsenal (Sky Sports)
14:15 Everton v West Ham (Sky Sports)

Big screens and LED perimeter boards will display tribute images to the Queen and flags at the grounds will be flying at half-mast.

When the clock turns to 70 minutes, fans will be invited to applaud The Queen’s 70-year reign.

Managers have also been encouraged to wear suits and lead their teams out, although this is not a demand.

The English Football League resumed on Tuesday, with games preceded by a minute’s silence and players asked to wear black armbands.

Explaining the decision to resume the schedule this weekend but postpone three games, the Premier League said: ‘Fixtures will resume this weekend after a pause to the season as a mark of respect following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

‘Following extensive consultation with clubs, police, local Safety Advisory Groups and other relevant authorities, there was no other option but to postpone the three fixtures.

‘The Premier League would like to thank the UK Football Policing Unit and other police forces across the country, as well as our broadcast partners, for their support during this process, and will continue to liaise with them ahead of the weekend.’